by Elena Bantista
Director Alex Garland’s much-acclaimed film Civil War (2024) had a profound impact on me as a viewer. It drew me into a gripping storyline that explores various themes of personal identity, conflict, and the balancing act of assessing right from wrong. The film features powerful performances and breath-taking visuals that clearly depict the emotional impact of the on-going trauma during this moment of time.
Civil War sweeps the audience into the tale of a divided America highlighting a power-hungry authoritarian government that will stop at nothing to gain control. A group of brave journalists set out to cross state lines for a mere chance to capture a once-in-lifetime potential interview with the president. At nearly every turn, they encounter danger, with each stop revealing threatening situations. Overall, the film’s underlying message focuses on challenges individuals face during traumatic conflicts and how important unity is in our country to persevere.
Notably, Garland serves as not only the director, but also the writer of Civil War. In 2015, he made his directorial debut with the movie Ex Machina, and he made his mark by earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Although he shines brightly as a director based on his previous and current work, he recently expressed his desire to move away from directing. Surprisingly, he’s actually considering pursuing other passions instead, making this movie a must-see.
A-list actress Kirsten Dunst stars as the main character, Lee Smith, a respected journalist, bringing life to this unique role which allows her to stretch beyond her typical motherly roles she tends to take on. Dunst allowed viewers to move beyond her real-life personality and really see through the perspective of Lee. Actress Cailee Spaney plays a young mentee journalist, Jessie. In her mid-20s, Spaney is seeking an opportunity to make a name for herself as an actress and has been recognized for roles such as the movies Priscilla and Alien: Romulus.
As a fan of A24 films, I’ve probably seen about 60 percent of their productions. I appreciate their skill for crafting well-made and original plots across their diverse catalog. What makes Civil War stand out from other A24 films is its use of various settings. While many A24 movies typically unfold in a limited-scope type location, this film takes us across the entire United States. In a film where time truly travels at light speed, we’re taken on a journey where we’re transported from the inside of the White House to a car, to highways, to low key hotels, and witnessing first-hand live events on the battlefield. Each setting adds depth to the narrative, creating nerve-wracking moments that keep viewers’ eyes wide open. Overall, the combination of mesmerizing visuals and a dynamic storyline makes Civil War a remarkable addition to the A24 lineup.
Personally, I would rank the film a solid 4 out of 5 stars, and I’m a harsh critic! It captivated me with its exceptional directing and unique storyline. The performances by Dunst and others were outstanding, while proving what exceptional talent the actors have! No doubt about it, I was left reflecting on the details, storyline, and outcome once the movie ended. This is well worth your time to watch. Civil War can currently be streamed through Max or rent on Prime Video.
